Flashy Butter Gem

Lettuce

Zone 13b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Flashy Butter Gem

🌱 50d to harvest Rosette

Silken, buttery leaves unfurl in a luminous rosette, offering a crisp-yet-gentle crunch with a sweet, clean finish. Flashy Butter…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 4th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Feb 20th
Harvest Ends	—

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	5

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Frequently Asked Questions

Lactuca sativa (lettuce) — what pest or disease issue should I watch for, and how do I fix it?

Watch for downy mildew (often shows as yellow patches on leaves with grayish growth underneath) and aphids, which cluster on tender new growth. Improve airflow and avoid wetting leaves when you water; remove and discard badly infected leaves to slow spread. For aphids, rinse plants with a strong jet of water and, if needed, spot-treat with insecticidal soap according to the label.

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During active leaf growth (roughly weeks 2–6), keep the soil evenly moist—water when the top 1 inch feels dry. Aim for consistent moisture rather than soaking and drying, because irregular watering can lead to bitterness and premature bolting in lettuce. If you’re growing in hot part-sun conditions, check moisture 1–2 times per week and water more frequently only if the top inch dries out.

How can I tell when my Lactuca sativa ‘Flashy Butter Gem’ is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads/rosettes are firm and filled out, typically around 50 days from sowing, with leaves that are a mature size for eating. If leaves pull easily from the center or the plant has started to stretch upward, it’s getting ready to bolt and should be harvested immediately. For best eating quality, harvest in the cool part of the day and cut at the base just above the soil line.

Silken, buttery leaves unfurl in a luminous rosette, offering a crisp-yet-gentle crunch with a sweet, clean finish. Flashy Butter Gem forms a compact butterhead at about 50 days, with tender, spoon-soft texture that stays pleasantly mild as it matures. Ideal for fresh salads and elegant sandwich-style layers, it’s also a standout for quick tosses and chilled garnishes where its delicate leaves shine.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 5 days first.

Expert Note

For best sweetness, keep plants cool and harvest at full head size before heat triggers bitterness or bolting.